The University of Queensland has gone undefeated in winning the first-ever Aon Uni 7s Series title, following victory in the final round at Bond University.

Team UQ defeated Macquarie University 12-10 in the gold medal match, with the result ensuring UQ claimed all four series tournaments.

UQ’s Round 4 gold medal came on the back of victories over hosts Bond (24-0), University of Canberra (12-5), University of New England (38-5), and University of Tasmania (21-0).

In the overall rankings, Team UQ secured a maximum 80 points to claim the title ahead of Bond (68 points) and Macquarie University (66 points).

UQ captain Mackenzie Sadler and teammates Lily Dick and Grace Kaihau were also selected in the 2017 Aon Uni Sevens Dream Team.

Sadler said completing the inaugural season unbeaten was a significant achievement.

“To go 20 games undefeated is a massive credit to the girls, Reg (Tayler) our coach, and all our staff – it’s amazing,” Sadler said.

“Every game we focus on working and playing for each other – I think it’s the team spirit.”

“We spoke about the first round coming into this tournament, how we had nothing to lose and gave it everything. I’m so proud of the girls.”

UQ coach Reg Tayler praised the side for its consistency over the season.

“I was just thinking back to when we put this team together. I knew we had a good squad but to go four-from-four and win 20 games straight, it’s fantastic,” Tayler said.

“Everything we have asked them to do they have done. We’ve had our glitches along our way, but we’ve just stood up.”

“All of our squad has stood up and done their job and I’m proud of them.”

Australian University Sport CEO Don Knapp said he looked forward to seeing the competition grow in 2018.

“The significant advances the series has experienced in its inaugural year are greatly encouraging – not only in the quality of sport on display, but in the level of media and commercial interest generated,” Knapp said.

“The series is a great example of multiple partners working together to achieve shared, organisational aims.

“The foundation of a formal pathway for elite female student-athletes in rugby 7s has certainly been forged this year.”

2017 Aon Uni 7s Series (Overall Standings):

1. The University of Queensland (80 points)
2. Bond University (68 points)
3. Macquarie University (66 points)
4. Griffith University (50 points)
5. University of Canberra (40 points)
6. The University of Adelaide (40 points)
7. University of Tasmania (38 points)
8. University of New England (34 points)

Media: Jamie Mitchell, UQ Sport, JamieM@uqsport.com.au, 0423 785 752.